2020–2021 BCSC Basic and Clinical Science Course™
4 Ophthalmic Pathology and Intraocular Tumors
Part I: Ophthalmic Pathology
Chapter 11: Retina and Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Neoplasia
Adenomas and Adenocarcinomas of the RPE
Neoplasia of the RPE is rare. Histologically, adenomas in this layer typically retain characteristics of RPE cells, including basement membranes, cell junctions, and microvilli. Adenocarcinomas are distinguished from adenomas by greater anaplasia, mitotic activity, and invasion of the choroid or retina. Adenoma and adenocarcinoma of the RPE may arise from CHRPE. No metastases have been documented in patients with RPE adenocarcinomas. Adenomas and adenocarcinomas may also arise from the ciliary epithelium. See also Chapter 17.
Excerpted from BCSC 2020-2021 series: Section 4 - Ophthalmic Pathology and Intraocular Tumors. For more information and to purchase the entire series, please visit https://www.aao.org/bcsc.